iSWAB®-DNA Is in a League of Its Own Among Non-Invasive Oral Collection Devices, Ranking Highest in Ease of Use

iSWAB®-DNA Is in a League of Its Own Among Non-Invasive Oral Collection Devices, Ranking Highest in Ease of Use

Key Highlights:

• iSWAB®-DNA ranked highest in ease-of-use category among 10 oral self-collection devices.
• iSWAB®-DNA ranked 2^nd in average user score, while all other tested swab-based devices ranked in the bottom 4.
• iSWAB®-DNA yielded suitable amounts of DNA across 6 days at room temperature while also controlling bacterial DNA contamination.

A study comparing 10 oral self-collection devices, focusing on user experience and DNA stability, was released in The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine in March 2024 (published by the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine). This study was influenced by the growing need for at-home self-collection devices, which was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 10 devices tested, 5 were saliva-based, and 5 were swab-based (buccal), including the iSWAB®-DNA device (Mawi DNA Technologies, Pleasanton, CA).

The study required 10 volunteers to collect saliva or swab samples using each of the respective devices and complete a survey about their experience. Included in the survey were questions focusing on ease of use, device instructions, and comfortability. Across all questions, the iSWAB®-DNA device was ranked the No. 2 among all 10 devices, whereas the other 4 swab-based oral collection devices were ranked in the bottom 4, potentially indicating a preference for saliva-based collections. “[iSWAB®-DNA ] ranked highest in ease of use (question 2), with all 10 users providing an “extremely easy” use rating of 4.” (Blommel et al. 2024, p. 5). Expectedly, iSWAB®-DNA  was the single top-ranking swab since this device was crafted specifically to maximize user experience while also minimizing user discomfort and confusion.

Following collection, the samples were stored at room temperature, and DNA was extracted from each device on Day 1 and Day 6 post-collection to evaluate the room temperature stability of the stabilized samples. The study found that all devices yielded satisfactory amounts of DNA for most relevant downstream applications. Learn more about how iSWAB®-DNA is capable of stabilizing samples up to a year at room temperature and 117 days at 56°C.

However, the researchers noticed an increase in DNA yield from Day 1 to Day 6, predominantly found in saliva devices, which was attributed to potential bacterial growth within the sample. iSWAB®-DNA showed excellent performance on maintaining the yield of DNA during the 6 days and was previously shown to have less than 5% bacterial DNA content on average.  Unlike most non-invasive oral self-collection devices, iSWAB®-DNA’s proprietary buffer can control bacterial growth and reduce its DNA release into solution. ISWAB®-DNA maintains high-quality human samples for downstream applications to ensure maximized high-quality data outcomes.

We appreciate the work done by these researchers and would be open to collaboration to explore the utility and effectiveness of iSWAB®-DNA. At-home self-collection devices do not need to be confusing or uncomfortable…they just need to be iSWAB®!

Link to referenced paper: https://academic.oup.com/jalm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jalm/jfae030/7676533